Women in Politics

I like to think of myself as a forward thinking woman, who is proud to see women taking stands and doing good things in life; however, I am getting tired of women in politics. Don't get me wrong, if a woman wants to run for political office, and she is voted in, then I'm fine with that -- more power to her. What irritates me about politics and women is that people lump women all together. When Hilary Clinton was still in the running for President, people talked of her like she was the voice of all women. She wasn't MY voice, and she certainly wasn't the voice of many of my female friends. Now that John McCain has appointed Sarah Palin to be his Vice Presidential running mate, people are now talking of her like she is the new voice for women. Again, I'm not convinced that she is my voice, and women that supported Hilary certainly aren't ready to throw their support to her.

What I really would like to know is why women are supposed to vote for someone just because she is female? Saying that a woman will automatically vote for a woman is like saying she doesn't have brain power to look at issues and decide who the best person for the job is. I hope that women will not automatically vote for a woman candidate, just like I hope that black people will not automatically vote for a black candidate, or Asian people will not automatically vote for an Asian candidate, and so on. If that is where we are headed as a nation, then why should we have campaigns and debates, and conventions. People should just vote based on gender and race.


Discrimination is dying in this country. We can see that because we might have a black president or a female vice president in a couple of months, but why is this the highlight of all the national coverage. If this country really wants to kill discrimination, then maybe we should stop bringing it up... Maybe if we voted for Obama because we liked his policies instead of the color of his skin... Maybe if we voted for McCain because we liked his policies and not the fact that a woman is his running-mate, then we would be closer to truly killing discrimination. If we truly want to get over discrimination, then why do we keep bringing it up when we talk about the candidates. Why does the news make a bigger deal out of the fact that Obama is black, when really they should be highlighting his health care plan or his immigration policy. Why is McCain in the news only because of his female running-mate? Shouldn't we be highlighting his education plan and his energy plans?

It is time for America to stop focusing on 'focus' groups, and focus more on the issues at hand. Obama shouldn't win the election because he is black, and McCain shouldn't win because he has a female running mate. Women shouldn't let the media tell them that Sarah Palin is their voice, because perhaps she isn't. Personally I feel that there were more qualified choices for McCain's Vice President, and he chose Palin mostly because of her gender, and that is completely wrong and disrespectful. Sarah Palin deserves better, and Republicans and Americans deserve better.

One More Week of Sanity?

Four months ago when I got my teaching job, I didn't realize how fast the summer would fly. I have already been working at the school for a week going to new teacher trainings and setting up my room, and now, I only have one more week until the students arrive. I have reached the freaking out stage. I keep thinking of random things that I need to do. Then, when I start to feel like I am getting a grip on things, I think of a million more things that I need to do. I don't know what ever made me think I was ready to be a teacher. If I can make it through this next week of meetings and Back to School Night without my head exploding from information overload, it will be an accomplishment.

Okay, now that I've freaked out, I can reflect on how excited I really am. I was a volunteer at EFY again this summer, and was put over a group of girls that were 14-15 years old, which is the age I will be teaching. It really is a fun age to be involved with. It will come with challenges, but I am excited to be working with kids again, instead of salesmen at R&L that just act like kids. It is crazy to think that the summer is already over, but I'm excited to move onto a new adventure in my life.

Happy Pioneer Day!

This is my 2nd Pioneer Day in Utah. I would venture to say that this day is almost bigger than the 4th of July down here. Last year, this day was a little boring; Mom and I lounged in the pool with nothing else to do. This year, with Sarah, Brian and the Girls with us, we decided to go to the big Pioneer Day Parade in Salt Lake City. There are people who camp overnight on the parade route to ensure that they get a good seat. We planned to leave the house at 4am, but ended up leaving around 4:30. Despite the delayed depature, we ended up getting a spectacular spot right in the front, learning that perhaps we didn't need to get there quite so early. The parade started at about 9am. It was such a fun parade with a lot of beautiful floats. Sierra and Papa ended up getting matching umbrella hats to keep the sun off of their faces, and Sophie was a real trooper, even though she grew tired of the heat and the loud noises of sirens and drums. The best part of the parade though was to see the Prophet, President Monson, ride by with his wife. They were so cute. At first he was looking the other direction, but Mom called to him, and he turned his head, smiled, and waved right to us! It was amazing. I have known that he is a Prophet of God, but today it was reconfirmed in my mind and in my heart. There is a powerful spirit around him that I could feel. I'm so grateful to have a prophet on the earth today, and I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to see him no more than a few feet away from me. I'm so grateful for my pioneer ancestors who have left me a legacy of faith to build on. I'm grateful that I've had the chance to reflect today on the blessings that the Restoration of the Gospel has brought into my life, and the lives of my family and friends. I hope that you can all take a moment to reflect on the legacies of faith in your lives as well. This has been a fabulous Pioneer Day! The best one yet!!

The Wisdom of the Young

My nephew Talmage, who will be 5 at the end of August, is very smart, wise, and wonderful. I am constantly amazed with the things he comes up with. I was going to thank him for something he said to me the other day, and I thought, "What better way than to do it on my blog so everyone knows how wonderful he is?" About a week ago, I was having a rough day. It wasn't anything extremely challenging, I was just feeling a little down. On my way home from work, I decided that I wanted to talk to Talmage. I called, but they were eating dinner. I tried to hide my disappointment, and asked my brother to have Talmage call me back. About 20-30 minutes later, Talmage called. He instantly brightened my day with his enthusiasm, his wit, and his humor. We got talking about getting married. He told me that Anya, his 2 1/2 year old sister, was going to marry a boy in her primary class. He told me that he was going to marry a girl whose name he didn't know. I asked him who I was going to marry. He said, "I don't know, who?" I told him that I didn't know. He then responded, "You could marry me!" He giggled, and we laughed about the age difference, and how since he was my nephew that probably wouldn't work anyway. Talmage was giggling and laughing, and then he got serious and said, "You need to marry someone sensible and loving because you're sensible and loving, so you need to marry someone sensible and loving and be good." I was blown away by what he said. I don't know why something a 5 year old said affected me so much, but I felt so much love at that moment, and since then I have looked at boys in a totally different light. I'm looking for someone who is not only loving, but sensible, because my nephew reminded me that that is someone that I deserve. So, Thank you, Talmage. Thank you for lifting my spirits and in a way, reminding me of my divine worth. I love you Talmage!

Happy Birthday Nation!

One of my favorite eras to learn about is the time surrounding the birth of our nation. I am inspired by the men who had the vision to see and realize the importance of liberty and freedom. The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. There are many beautiful ideas and truths in this document, and for many, it has either been a long time, or they have never read the Declaration. Indulge me as I share some of my favorite parts with you:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. -- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable then to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security...

We have warned [the British] from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitable interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General congress Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for rectitude of our intentions, do in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That the United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of the Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

This is then followed by 56 signatures including John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.

The Declaration of Independence was signed 232 years ago, but it is still important to remember its teachings today. Remember that the government has a responsibility toward the people. When the government starts abusing its power, the people have the responsibility to stop it, even if it means voting for an "unpopular" candidate.

Recently I was talking with some friends about Germany and in particular Hitler. Someone mentioned how they don't understand how Germany could fall for someone so evil. I reminded them that Hitler didn't appear to be evil in the beginning. Germany was shattered after World War I. The Allies did not only defeat Germany, but they destroyed the country's pride and honor in hopes to prevent another war. In response, a young charismatic leader by the name of Adolf Hitler began his rise to power. People responded to his patriotism and his visions for the future. He promised changes that the people of Germany desperately desired. Once he gained his power, he was able to become a tyrant and follow through with all his evil designs.

I think about this country. We have a lot to be grateful for, but we are also struggling with a lot of things. I worry that we will get swept up in the charismatic leader who promises a lot of changes right away. Not that I would go as far as to call any candidate a "wanna-be-Hitler", but often people get swept up in the idea that we need to change many things in order to get this country back on track. I agree that there are some necessary changes, but instead of drifting further from our foundation, we must return to stable and sturdy ground from whence we were built.

According to the Declaration of Independence, we have the responsibility to hold the Government in check. This does not mean that we must start a Revolution every time we think the Government is swaying from where they should be. The Founding Fathers had tried for years to use the law and the system of Government to inspire change, and they were stopped at every angle. We must use the law, and the Government to inspire change. We are the only ones that can do it; by getting honorable men and women in office, who love this country, and desire to maintain our rights and liberties. Loving the Country, though, is not enough. We need people who are not concerned about how much power they have. We need a government who doesn't control every aspect of life. The kind of government that has worked for 232 years, is one where the people have responsibilities for themselves, and the freedoms and liberties to decide what is best for them. It is that government that I am putting my faith behind.

Today is a day of celebration. Happy birthday Nation that I love. Thank you for remembering God, and putting Him on your currency and in your documents. Thank you for being a Nation that allows people from all walks of life to experience Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. I pray that God will continue to look down on this Nation, this Promised Land, and that "we the People" will continue to uphold and fight for the rights and truths that we "hold to be self-evident". May we never forget, and may we take the time to celebrate our Liberties. Happy Independence Day!

Another Tag, but atleast it gives me something to post about...

Let me just start by saying that none of these are in any particular order...

8 things I'm passionate about:

The Gospel
Liberty/Freedom
My Family
Harry Potter
Disney
Music
Sleeping
The Constitution

8 books I've read and enjoyed:

Scriptures
Twilight Series
Harry Potter Series
Mary Poppins
Tom Sawyer
The Ten-Cow Wives Club
Pride & Prejudice
Persuasion

8 Things or words I say often:

Oh my heck!
Whatever!
Take Luck!
Curses!
You're True.
If I knew that, then I would know everything!
Does the sun set in the East? (and yes, I do know that it sets in the West)
Well, technically...

8 Things I want to do before I die:

Go to Rome
Go to Disneyland
Get Married
Go to Washington DC
Live in my own place
Become a mother
Travel through Great Britain & Ireland
Do something I will be remembered for

8 Things I have Learned (or remembered, again) this past year:

My Family may be a little crazy at times, but I love them a lot
My nieces and nephews know more then I do
Things do work out, just not in my time
There are some people that just need more than one reminder
The Chrysler Building in NYC is modeled after a real car w/ hubcaps & everything
There really is a life after Harry Potter
5 hours of sleep is never enough
I don't spend enough time on my feet during the average day.

8 People I want to Tag:

Jill
Brittany
Rachel
Lindsey
Sarah
Brandon
Jessica
Mom

New York New York

For those of you who don't know, I just got back from New York last week. Some friends of mine (the regulars that I do everything with) and I went to New York City for 2 crazy days. We flew all night Wednesday night, and got to New York at 6:00 in the morning. We checked in at the Hotel, ate some breakfast and headed into the city. First we took a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Both places are so amazing. The Statue of Liberty really is awe-inspiring. Ellis Island really touched me too. I was amazed at what people went through in order to come to this country. It was humbling to realize that I have ancestors who walked those halls and waited in lines and prayed that they would be permitted passage to the shore which they could see, but was just beyond their reach. There is a sacred feeling on that island that one cannot deny.

After we got back to the main land we walked to Ground Zero. I was amazed at how many people were there to see the place where the World Trade Centers stood. I saw people weeping, and some openly sobbing at the sight. As I looked at the big hole in the ground and thought about that fateful day so many years ago, I was amazed at the miracle behind it. 9-11 was awful, but looking at the huge buildings that are right next to where the Trade Centers were, I am amazed that there wasn't more damage. There is a monument on the side of a building across the street from Ground Zero. It says, "May we never forget". I too pray that we might never forget the price for liberty and freedom, and always remember to honor the men and women who give their lives fighting for it every day.

From Ground Zero we travelled to the Empire State Building. We traveled up to the 86th floor where the observation deck is. I was amazed at how far the city really stretches. That night we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe in Time Square, and saw "The Little Mermaid" on Broadway. It was absolutely fabulous and amazing. It was totally worth the cost of the ticket.

The next day we got up early and did an endowment session in the Manhattan Temple. This was probably the neatest experience of the entire trip. We knew what subway "exit" we needed to take, but didn't really know where the temple was in relation to where we would come out. We were walking up the stairs, and literally the temple was all you could see. It took my breath away. There I was climbing out of the filth and darkness of the Subway, and the temple stood as a beacon to keep climbing up. The Temple was beautiful and so peaceful. New York streets are just like they are portrayed in the movies. Loud, people everywhere, the "yellow ones" really don't stop, but as soon as you entered the Lord's house, an immediate calm, quiet, peaceful feeling enveloped me. I knew that I was entering a holy, sacred, building that housed the spirit of the Lord. When it came time to leave the Temple, the World really slaps you in the face. It was hard not to just turn around and go back in.

After the temple, we traveled to Central Park. We walked around Central Park for awhile (it is HUGE!), and saw many sights from our favorite movies. We then found went to Rockefeller Center and from there walked down 5th Avenue, gazing into huge stores that held merchandise no one I know could afford. We saw Trump Tower, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and F.A.O Schwartz, this huge toy store where I finally bought my very own Harry Potter wand... it's pretty much awesome!

We walked from there back to Time Square where we needed to eat, but didn't really have a lot of time, so we at the McDonald's at Time Square. It was a huge multi-story McDonald's with grossly enlarged prices. I paid $7.00 for 2 cheeseburgers, a medium fries, and a water. After McDonald's we went and saw "Mary Poppins" on Broadway. It was just as fabulous as "The Little Mermaid". The best was when Bert danced on the ceiling, and Mary Poppins flew with her umbrella out over the audience. It was spectacular.

From there we took the subway back to our hotel, got a few hours of sleep, and flew back to Utah the next morning. New York City is amazing, and I would love to go back and spend a lot more time, and see a lot more things, but I am happy with the highlights that I saw. Coming back to Utah, I appreciate the wide open spaces,or really just having to space to not be touching people as you walk by them!